Gender Differences inHealth Behavior, Dietary Habits, and Safety among Medical Students in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Cairo University.

10.21608/ejnh.2025.447959

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with modifiable lifestyle factors playing a central role in their prevention. University students, particularly medical students, represent a key population for health promotion as their behaviors influence both their own long-term health and their future roles as health advocates. Gender differences in health behaviors are well-documented yet understudied in the Egyptian context. This study aimed to assess health behaviors including safety practices, smoking, nutrition, and physical activity among medical students in Cairo University, with a focus on gender-specific differences. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 807 consented students at Kasr-elaini School of Medicine, Cairo University. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire covering multiple health behavior domains, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-S7S). Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and BMI was calculated. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20, with significance set at p < 0.05.The results revealed that the mean age of participants was 20.5 ± 1.31 years; 54.3% were female. Males had significantly higher tobacco smoking (16% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001) and internet usage. Dietary habits differed; where females eat breakfast regularly and consume more fruits, while males consume more meat. Obesity was higher among females (65.1%), whereas overweight status was higher among males (33.1%). Females practiced better dental hygiene and road safety behaviors. The study concluded that significant gender disparities exist in health behaviors among participating medical students. These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive health promotion strategies within medical education to foster healthier lifestyles and improve future healthcare outcomes.

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